Papua New Guinea, a country located in Oceania in the Pacific Ocean is one of the world’s least explored countries.  It shares an island with New Guinea, as well as occupying many smaller islands off of the coast of the larger island.  Because it is so isolated and so unexplored, there are many interesting facts about the country that may be widely unknown. Did you know:

*Over 850 indigenous languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea, though the population barely reaches 7 million.

*The island was one of the first places where modern humans lived, and remains dating back to over 50,000 years ago have been found in Papua New Guinea. There is also archaeological evidence to suggest that Papua New Guinea’s early inhabitants may have been some of the world’s first farmers.

*Europeans did not set foot on Papua New Guinea until 1526, though the island had been spotted nearly 15 years earlier by another explorer.

*Headhunting and cannibalism were widely existent in Papua New Guinea until the 1950s.

*Papua New Guinea’s terrain is varied and includes mountainous terrain as well as much rain forest area.

*Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Papua New Guinea, as the island is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is defined by the intersection of several tectonic plates and a large number of active volcanoes.

*Papua New Guinea’s main exports are oil, copper, and cole.

*The currency of Papua New Guinea is the kina. However, sea shells were the national currency until 1933.

*According to figures from 2000, 96% of Papua New Guineans identify themselves as belonging to a Christian denomination.

*Wood carving is a traditional art, especially in the region near the Sepik River. Often, these carvings represent plants, animals, and spirits.

*The island served as an important site during World War I and World War II. It is, in fact, where the Battle of Guadalcanal took place. Guadalcanal served as a major battle during World War II, and one that was very important to the allied effort.

Papua New Guinea, with its diverse population, languages, and natural life is an interesting and intriguing country. It is a country that has many different aspects to it, both in terms of population and culture, and its isolated placement in the world certainly ensures that many of its traditions and cultures remain unspoiled. It is a country that is worth learning more about, and one that should interest any student of culture and history.